Windhoek: A former gym instructor, Tjizake Murangi, who is accused of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Frieda Amadhila, made his first appearance in the Windhoek High Court on Tuesday. This follows a decision by Prosecutor General Martha Imalwa to try him in the upper court due to the seriousness of the crime.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Murangi was denied bail at the Windhoek Magistrate's Court and has been in custody since his arrest in 2024. He was 22 years old at the time. Murangi allegedly stabbed Amadhila eight times after breaking into her rented apartment in Windhoek in April 2024. Amadhila, 29, was employed as a banker, and allegations suggest that she had ended their relationship.

The Namibian Police reported at the time that neighbors alerted them about a fight in the apartment. Upon arrival, police found the flat locked. It is further alleged that the suspect drove to Katutura State Hospital, parked the vehicle at the emergency room door, and informed nurses that the deceased needed urgent attention. She was declared dead upon arrival. Murangi subsequently got admitted into the hospital after a failed suicide attempt, as it is reported that he slit his throat with a knife.

High Court Judge Philanda Christiaan on Tuesday postponed the matter for a pre-trial hearing to 28 April 2026. Defence lawyer Morenzel Strauss is representing Murangi.